What's Leaky up to? (was Re: Prayers For Lexicon Steve)

[Tim Regan]

Hi All,

Jo (Rowling's girl, through and through) said:
>>> I strongly believe that the outpouring of support has to do with 
the fact that Steve was one of the early, active members of HPfGU and 
that people remember him fondly.  As someone who used to be active 
myself in the 2002-2004 period, I had several pleasant interactions 
with him and had a great deal of respect for him. <<<
I agree – this is what makes it all so sad. Whenever it's my turn to 
send out elfly welcoming messages I go to the members section of 
HPfGU http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/members?
group=sub&xm=1&o=5 to download the list of members. Those early names 
seem to include so many of the people who have helped make the HP 
fandom the wonderful place it is. Steve Vander Ark is listed as the 
20th member (for context I'm the 2,418th and Jo's the 912th).

Jo went on to say:
>>> That said, several of the posters have admitted that they have 
not  been following the case and are unaware of the events leading up 
to  this trial.  I, OTOH, have been reading everything I could since 
it first surfaced last autumn and based on what I've learned, I have 
lost any and all respect I once had for the founder of the Lexicon. I 
would respectfully suggest that those who support Steve make the 
effort to fully inform themselves of the background and history of 
this case. There are a multitude of links, the best of which are 
through TLC.  If you continue to take his side in this matter, fair 
enough.  Personally, I think he is way, way out of line both legally 
and ethically. <<<

I'm starting to see this as four separate (though interlinked) 
questions.

1) Is the Harry Potter Lexicon useful; and is it the result of much 
hard, intelligent, and creative work?
Yes. I think JKR's incorrect about the level of effort involved in 
collating the lexicon. I also don't agree with her that "an 
alphabetical [list] is the laziest way to rearrange and sell [her] 
work". I think the most useful Harry Potter guide might be a simple 
concordance.

2) Would a print version of the Harry Potter Lexicon be worthwhile?
Yes – I would / will buy it.

3) Is it a breach of JKR/WB copyright to publish a print copy of the 
Harry Potter Lexicon?
I have no idea. And when the judge says "the fair use doctrine is not 
clear" it sounds like he's a bit perplexed too. Oh dear.

4) Has Steve behaved badly and lost the support of many Harry Potter 
fans?
Clearly by going against JKR he's alienated most fans. Sadly I may 
not have the time to follow Jo's suggestion and to read through the 
TLC links. But it is clear that Steve has gone further than to 
alienate those fans who would object to anyone standing against JKR, 
he appears to have done and said things that have turned many fans at 
the centre of the fandom, his friends, against him. We're no 
strangers to a schism (bless you, thanks Lemony) in the fandom but it 
is always very sad.

Cheers,

Dumbledad.